England squads announcement (updated): First U21 call-up for Nwaneri takes Nigerian count to 9

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri has received his first-ever call-up to England U21 national team ahead of international matches this month.

It was heavily speculated that the Super Eagles-eligible attacking midfielder was in contention to be named in the Three Lions squad for the March internationals, only for manager Thomas Tuchel to omit him from the squad announced on Friday morning.

As exclusively reported by allnigeriasoccer.com around five weeks ago, Nwaneri has not ruled out playing for the Super Eagles but there has been no formal approach from the Nigeria Football Federation. 

The Hale End Academy graduate is enjoying a breakout season at boyhood club Arsenal, and now has nine goal involvements (8 goals, 1 assist) in twenty-eight appearances across all competitions.

Nwaneri has represented the Young Lions at U16, U17 and U19 levels, bypassing the U20s to secure a spot in the U21 squad at just 17 years old. 

He is in contention to make his debut for the 2023 European Champions on March 21 when they take on France in Lorient, three days before another friendly against Portugal at the Hawthorns, home of West Brom.

With Nwaneri’s U21 call-up, the total number of Nigeria-eligible players selected for England squads this month rises to nine.

Nine Nigeria-eligible players called up by England

1) Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) - Englland U21
2  Tyrique George (Chelsea) - England U19
3) Khari Ranson (Arsenal) - England U18
4) Chukwuemeka Adiele (West Ham United) - England U18
5) Lanre Awesu (West Ham United) - England U17
6) Chinazaekpere Nwosu (West Ham United) - England U17
7) Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) - England U17
8) Natasha Udebhulu (Southampton) - England WU17s
9) Jane Oboavwoduo (Manchester City) - England WU17s
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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